NEW WINDSOR – American Airlines announced Thursday that it will discontinue service to Stewart International Airport and 14 other cities, citing financial stress created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The cut is expected to take place on October 7. “For now, these changes are only in place for the October period, which runs through November 3,” a spokesman for American Airlines said.
American Airlines was the recipient of a share of the $ 25 billion payroll support act passed by Congress. As a recipient, American was required to maintain prescribed service levels until September. “Stewart International Airport helps drive our local economy here in the Hudson Valley, and any restriction or suspension of service is deeply affected,” said Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney.
Congress has discussed the second round of financial aid, but it is far from finalized. “This disappointing decision by American Airlines only highlights the need for Leader McConnell and First Republicans to stop critically needed COVID-19 funding for relief and recovery. This action causes unintended, long-term damage to vital industry and to the Hudson Valley. The political games must end – the success of our recovery is in jeopardy, “Maloney added.
